If the 50-year-old ends up in Cleveland, it would mark the second straight year he takes over a defense from Ray Horton -- the Browns' defensive coordinator in 2013. Taking the reins in Arizona last season, Bowles revamped his reputation as one of the best defensive minds in the NFL. His Cardinals used creative blitzes to overwhelm opponents and ended up with the best rush defense in the NFL.

Bowles also has garnered interest from the Minnesota Vikings to fill their coaching vacancy, NFL Media's Albert Breer reported.